Exceptional Graduates

Seven outstanding students will be honored at the CA&ES commencement ceremonies, to be held at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, in the UC Davis ARC Pavilion. Tiffany Do will receive the College Medal for scholastic excellence. Valerie Fates and Jessica Jones will receive the Mary Regan Meyer Prize for a demonstrated expertise and an interest in serving humanity. Kat Perkins and Devin Murphy will receive the Charles Hess Community Service Award for outstanding public or community service during their undergraduate years. Lauren Salinero and Don Nguyen will receive the Dean’s Circle Award for outstanding academics and community service. Congratulations to all our graduating seniors!

College Medal

Tiffany Do

Tiffany Do, who completed a double major in human development and Asian American studies, is the 2017 recipient of the CA&ES College Medal, which rewards scholastic excellence. A Regents Scholar and member of Phi Beta Kappa, Do volunteered with disadvantaged youth during her undergraduate years. She helped mentor youth detained in the Woodland Juvenile Detention Facility as part of the Youth Empowerment Program. She also participated in a program that provides academic, social, and emotional support to at-risk youth in Woodland secondary schools. Do plans to pursue a master’s degree in education and become a K–12 teacher.

Mary Regan Meyer Prize

Valerie Fates

Valerie Fates, an animal science graduate who is headed to Veterinary School, is a recipient of the 2017 Mary Regan Meyer Prize. As an undergraduate, Fates volunteered at the Knights Landing One Health clinic, which is staffed by veterinary and medical school students and provides free care for animals and people in need. A Regents Scholar, Fates is also a gifted musician who led the violin section in the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra.

Mary Regan Meyer Prize

Jessica Jones

Jessica Jones, a community and regional development major, is a recipient of the 2017 Mary Regan Meyer Prize. A first-generation college student and community college transfer, Jones led a local redistricting initiative for the Sonoma County Junior College District during her undergraduate years. She is dedicated to being a positive change-maker in her community, with plans to work in local government and pursue a master’s degree in environmental policy or public health.

Charles Hess Community Service Award

Kat Perkins

Kat Perkins, who majored in sustainable agriculture and food systems, is a recipient of the 2017 Charles Hess Community Service Award. During her undergraduate years, Perkins was a leader in the housing cooperative community, helping to implement ways of increasing affordability for lower-income students. She also participated in the school garden movement, improving elementary school food awareness through growing food and providing nutrition education. With a commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability, Perkins intends to pursue graduate studies in community development or geography.

Charles Hess Community Service Award

Devin Murphy

Devin Murphy, a landscape architecture major, is a recipient of the 2017 Charles Hess Community Service Award. Murphy’s commitment to environmental responsibility led him to help introduce and manage a Japanese composting program known as “Bokashi composting” at Hunt Hall, which is home to the landscape architecture program. Murphy’s efforts to manage food waste collection through a sorting system that employs multiple bins and provides clear signage have helped promote sustainability on the UC Davis campus.

Deans Circle Award

Lauren Salinero

Lauren Salinero, a biotechnology major, is a recipient of the 2017 Dean’s Circle Award winner, which recognizes outstanding academics and community service. A Regents Scholar and guitarist, Salinero started a chapter of Guitars for Vets during her undergraduate years. The organization provides free guitars and lessons to veterans with physical injuries, PTSD, and other mental health challenges.

Deans Circle Award

Don Nguyen

Don Nguyen, global disease biology major and first-generation college student, will receive a 2017 Dean’s Circle Award in recognition of his outstanding academics and community service. As an undergraduate, Nguyen volunteered at Shifa Community Clinic, a student-run health clinic that serves uninsured, disenfranchised South Asian and Middle Eastern communities in the Sacramento region. Nguyen’s vision is to transform minority health from a disease treatment model to a preventative care model. After graduation, he’s headed to medical school for an MD-PhD.